Agartala Press Club urges Tripura Police to enhance journalist safety, prevent press sticker misuse, and increase night patrolling. Delegation meets DGP demanding stricter regulation, better identification tools, and improved security measures for media personnel.
Heightened concerns over journalist safety and identity misuse prompted a formal engagement between media representatives and top police officials in Tripura, as the Agartala Press Club pressed for urgent reforms and protective measures.
A delegation from the Agartala Press Club met Director General of Police Anurag on Friday, raising multiple issues affecting journalists working across the state. Led by president Pranab Sarkar, the five-member team emphasized the need for a stronger security framework, particularly for reporters and photojournalists operating in challenging and often unpredictable environments.
One of the primary concerns highlighted during the meeting was the growing misuse of “press” stickers by unauthorized individuals. The delegation argued that such misuse not only undermines the credibility of genuine journalists but also poses serious security risks. They called for stricter regulation and verification mechanisms to ensure that only accredited media personnel can use press identification markers.
In addition to identity concerns, the delegation underscored the demanding working conditions faced by journalists, especially those covering late-night assignments. Many reporters and photojournalists frequently operate in isolated areas or return home during late hours, making them vulnerable to safety threats. To address this, the press club urged the police to intensify night patrolling in Agartala as well as in sub-divisional towns across Tripura.
The demand for practical identification tools also featured prominently in the discussion. The delegation requested the distribution of all-weather press jackets to accredited journalists. Such gear would not only help in easy identification during field reporting but also provide a level of protection in adverse weather conditions.
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Issues discussed during the press club’s managing committee meeting and annual general body meeting were formally presented to the DGP and other senior officials. Members of the delegation included vice-president Chitra Roy, joint secretaries Kamal Chowdhury and Abhishek Dey, and executive member Abhishek Debbarma.
Police officials reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured that necessary steps would be considered to enhance journalist safety and address the misuse of press credentials. The meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening coordination between law enforcement and the media community in Tripura.
